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BACKGROUND: The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) has become the food of choice owing to its wealthy nutritional profile, leading to a considerable increase in its cultivation worldwide. However, anthracnose has been a major impediment to production and productivity, as elite bean cultivars are vulnerable to this disease. To overcome barriers in crop production, scientists worldwide are working towards enhancing the genetic diversity of crops. One way to achieve this is by introducing novel genes from related crops, including landraces like KRC 8. This particular landrace, found in the North Western Himalayan region, has shown adult plant resistance against anthracnose and also possesses a recessive resistance gene. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this study, a population of 179 F2:9 RIL individuals (Jawala × KRC 8) was evaluated at both phenotypic and genotypic levels using over 830 diverse molecular markers to map the resistance gene present in KRC 8. We have successfully mapped a resistance gene to chromosome Pv01 using four SSR markers, namely IAC 238, IAC 235, IAC 259, and BM 146. The marker IAC 238 is closely linked to the gene with a distance of 0.29 cM, while the other markers flank the recessive resistance gene at 10.87 cM (IAC 259), 17.80 cM (BM 146), and 25.22 cM (IAC 235). Previously, a single recessive anthracnose resistance gene (co-8) has been reported in the common bean accession AB 136. However, when we performed PCR amplification with our tightly linked marker IAC 238, we got different amplicons in AB 136 and KRC 8. Interestingly, the susceptible cultivar Jawala produced the same amplicon as AB 136. This observation indicated that the recessive gene present in KRC 8 is different from co-8. As the gene is located far away from the Co-1 locus, we suggest naming the recessive gene co-Indb/co-19. Fine mapping of co-Indb in KRC 8 may provide new insights into the cloning and characterization of this recessive gene so that it can be incorporated into future bean improvement programs. Further, the tightly linked marker IAC 238 can be utilized in marker assisted introgression in future bean breeding programs. CONCLUSION: The novel co-Indb gene present in Himalayan landrace KRC 8, showing adult plant resistance against common bean anthracnose, is independent from all the resistance genes previously located on chromosome Pv01.
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Phaseolus , Humanos , Mapeo Cromosómico , Marcadores Genéticos , Phaseolus/genética , Fitomejoramiento , Genotipo , Enfermedades de las Plantas/genética , Resistencia a la Enfermedad/genética , Ligamiento GenéticoRESUMEN
To establish normal reference ranges and Z-scores for pulmonary artery diameters in preterm infants and their correlation with body surface area, body weight, and chronological age. In a prospective study, 268 preterm infants, who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were examined. Echocardiograms were performed to measure the main pulmonary artery, right pulmonary artery, and left pulmonary artery diameters on day(s) 0 to -6 of life and at weekly intervals until they reached 36 weeks of age. Body surface area was divided into thirteen groups from 0.07 to 0.19 m2. The mean gestational age was 29.8 (±2.38 SD) weeks, ranging between 24 and 35, the mean body weight was 1479 (±413 SD) grams, ranging between 588 and 3380, and the mean body surface area was 0.13 m2, ranging between 0.07 and 0.19 m2. All the pulmonary artery diameters correlated well with both body weight and body surface area. Reference ranges, with mean ± SD, range, and Z-scores for aortic diameters according to body surface area were calculated. A significant gradual increase was observed in main and branch pulmonary artery diameters with increasing body surface area. Overall, a progressive and significant increase for main and branch pulmonary artery diameters was observed during the first nine weeks of life. The main and branch pulmonary artery diameters were found to have significant correlation with body surface area. The study also provides reference data with Z-scores, which can be used as a normal reference tool for measuring the main pulmonary artery, right, and left pulmonary artery diameters of preterm infants against body surface area.
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Ecocardiografía/métodos , Arteria Pulmonar/diagnóstico por imagen , Superficie Corporal , Peso Corporal , Femenino , Edad Gestacional , Humanos , Lactante , Recién Nacido , Recien Nacido Prematuro , Masculino , Estudios Prospectivos , Valores de ReferenciaRESUMEN
In the present study, production of extracellular proteases by Trichoderma harzianum was evaluated based on the relative gene expression and spectrophotometric assay. The fungal isolates were grown in Czapek Dox Broth medium supplemented with deactivated mycelium of plant fungal pathogens such as Fusarium oxysporum, Colletotrichum capsici, Gloeocercospora sorghi, and Colletotrichum truncatum. The maximum protease activity was detected after 48 h of incubation against Colletotrichum spp. Similarly in qRT-PCR, the relative gene expression of four proteases varied from 48 to 96 h against host pathogens in a time-independent manner. Among proteases, statistically significant upregulation of asp, asp, and srp was observed against Colletotrichum spp., followed by F. oxysporum. But in the case of pepM22, maximum upregulation was observed against F. oxysporum. The variation in enzyme assay and qRT-PCR of proteases at different time intervals against various fungal phytopathogens could be due to the limitation of using casein as a substrate for all types of proteases or protease-encoding transcripts selected for qRT-PCR, which may not be true representative of total protease activity.
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Espacio Extracelular/enzimología , Proteínas Fúngicas/farmacología , Péptido Hidrolasas/farmacología , Enfermedades de las Plantas/microbiología , Trichoderma/enzimología , Colletotrichum/efectos de los fármacos , Colletotrichum/fisiología , Espacio Extracelular/genética , Proteínas Fúngicas/genética , Proteínas Fúngicas/metabolismo , Fusarium/efectos de los fármacos , Fusarium/fisiología , Regulación Fúngica de la Expresión Génica/efectos de los fármacos , Péptido Hidrolasas/genética , Péptido Hidrolasas/metabolismo , Trichoderma/genéticaRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to establish normal reference ranges for the cardiac valve annulus size in preterm infants and their correlation with gestational age, body weight and chronological age. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In a prospective study, 268 pre-term babies, who fulfilled the criteria for inclusion, were examined in Kuwait during the years 2008-2010. Echocardiograms were performed to measure the aortic, pulmonary, mitral and tricuspid valve annulus size on 0-6 day(s) of life and at weekly intervals until they reached 36 weeks. The gestational age was grouped into three: 24-27, 28-31 and 32-35 weeks, and body weight into five: ≤999, 1000-1499, 1500-1999, 2000-2499 and ≥2500 g. The overall group differences were compared for each period of life: 0-6 days, 1-2, 3-4 and ≥5 weeks. RESULTS: The mean gestational age was 29.8 (±2.38 SD) weeks, ranging between 24 and 35, and the mean body weight 1479 (±413 SD) grams, ranging between 588 and 3380. At the first scan (0-6 days of life), all cardiac valve measurements correlated well with both body weight and gestational age (P < 0.001). In the subsequent weeks valve diameters correlated well with body weight, while gestational age was found to have significant correlation (P < 0.01) with aortic and mitral valves only. A significant gradual increase was noticed in all valve annulus measurements with body weight during each period of life. Overall, a progressive and significant increase for all four cardiac valve annulus measurements was observed during the first nine weeks of life. CONCLUSION: The cardiac valve annulus measurements were found to have significant correlation with body weight. All the cardiac valve measurements correlated well with gestational age (P < 0.01) only up to 2 weeks. The study also provides reference data, which can be used as a normal reference tool for cardiac valve diameters for preterm infants against the gestational age, body weight and chronological age.
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Ecocardiografía/métodos , Válvulas Cardíacas/diagnóstico por imagen , Peso al Nacer , Peso Corporal , Femenino , Edad Gestacional , Humanos , Lactante , Recién Nacido , Recien Nacido Prematuro , Masculino , Estudios Prospectivos , Valores de ReferenciaRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: The study aimed at determining the association between oral disease and systemic health based on panoramic radiographs and general health of patients treated at Kuwait University Dental Center. The objective was to determine whether individuals exhibiting good oral health have lower propensity to systemic diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1000 adult patients treated at Kuwait University Dental Center were randomly selected from the patient's records. The general health of patients was assessed from the medical history of each patient recorded during their visit to the clinic. The number of reported diseases and serious symptoms were used to develop a medical index. The oral health of these patients was assessed from panoramic radiographs to create an oral index by evaluating such parameters as caries, periodontitis, periapical lesions, pericoronitis, and tooth loss. RESULTS: In a total of 887 patients, 43.8 % had an oral index between 3 and 8, of which significantly higher (62.1 %) patients were with medical conditions compared to those without (33.2 %; p < 0.001). The Spearmans's correlation (rho') revealed a positive correlation (rho' = 0.360, p 0.001) between oral and medical index. Partial correlation, while controlling demographics, gender, nationality, and age, also showed a significant positive correlation (p < 0.001) between medical and oral index. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study showed a significant association between oral health and general health and confirmed the findings of previous reports as regards the existing correlation between dental infections and medical disorders. These results are not indicative of a causal relationship when the diagnosis of oral disease was based primarily on radiographic findings. Future research needs to include prospective clinical and interventional studies. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The significance of the oral-systemic disease connection highlights the importance of preventing and treating oral disease which have profound medical implications on general health.
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Estado de Salud , Enfermedades de la Boca/complicaciones , Enfermedades de la Boca/epidemiología , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Femenino , Humanos , Kuwait/epidemiología , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Enfermedades de la Boca/diagnóstico por imagen , Radiografía Panorámica , Estudios RetrospectivosRESUMEN
Although several studies have been conducted to assess dentists' knowledge of and attitudes towards human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune-deficiency syndrome (AIDS), few have targeted dental assistants. The main aims of this study were to assess the knowledge of and attitudes towards HIV/AIDS among dental assistants in Kuwait and to compare the knowledge and attitudes of dental assistants at Kuwait University Dental Center (KUDC) with those of dental assistants in Ministry of Health (MoH) hospitals. The secondary objective was to determine if any intervention was needed to provide more information to dental assistants on HIV/AIDS. A cross-sectional study was conducted by distributing questionnaires. The study sample included 85 dental assistants from each of KUDC and the MoH. The questionnaire included questions to assess the assistants' knowledge and attitude towards HIV/AIDS. Statistical data analysis was conducted using SPSS 20.0. Qualitative data were analysed using the Pearson chi-square text for any association or the Z-test for proportion to test the significance of differences. A total of 167 questionnaires were completed, returned and analysed. KUDC dental assistants were found to have significantly more knowledge about HIV/AIDS than their MoH counterparts, whereas the assistants at the MoH clinics displayed a more positive attitude towards patients with HIV/AIDS (P < 0.05). Although dental assistants at KUDC were more knowledgeable than those at the MoH clinics, there are still some misconceptions that need to be addressed, in addition to the negative attitudes displayed by some of the respondents. It would therefore be beneficial to increase awareness about HIV/AIDS patients through lectures, seminars and workshops targeting dental assistants.
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Asistentes Dentales , Infecciones por VIH/psicología , Conocimientos, Actitudes y Práctica en Salud , Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida/psicología , Adulto , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Humanos , Kuwait , Masculino , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
Population genetic structure of melon fly analysed with mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene suggested that melon fly populations across the globe is homogeneous with non-significant variation of 0.000-0.003 base substitutions per site. Test isolates representing various geographic situations across the world were placed in 26 mitochondrial haplotypes based on variations associated with a maximum of three mutational steps and the predominant haplotype i.e. H1 was present in all melon fly populations except Hawaiian population. Evolution of mtCOI gene suggested that the fly could have originated some 0.4 million years ago. The present study also indicated that the B. cucurbitae population expansion is an event of post Pleistocene warm climatic conditions with small number of founder population. The invasion of B. cucurbitae in Hawaii was associated with the large population size and the global presence of the fly is associated with human mediated dispersal. The very low genetic variation suggested that the fly management might be possible by large scale sterile insect techniques programme.
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ADN Mitocondrial/genética , Complejo IV de Transporte de Electrones/genética , Proteínas de Insectos/genética , Tephritidae/genética , Animales , Biodiversidad , Cucurbitaceae/parasitología , ADN Mitocondrial/química , Variación Genética , Genética de Población , Haplotipos , Hawaii , India , Especies Introducidas , Datos de Secuencia Molecular , Mutación , Nepal , Filogenia , Dinámica Poblacional , Análisis de Secuencia de ADN , Especificidad de la Especie , Tephritidae/crecimiento & desarrolloRESUMEN
Oral glucose and intravenous insulin (G/I) loading protocols are commonly used in 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) cardiac viability studies. Although the amount of insulin to be given per blood glucose range has been well described in guidelines, the amount of glucose to be given is not detailed well. In this retrospective study, we aimed to assess if certain parameters, particularly the amount of glucose and insulin given, may affect 18F-FDG uptake in the hibernating myocardium and also determine the problems with this protocol. 18F-FDG PET cardiac viability study with G/I loading protocols was performed in 49 patients. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), amount of glucose given, blood glucose level after glucose load, amount of insulin given, and blood glucose level at the time of 18F-FDG injection were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed to determine if there is any difference in the above values in PET viable and PET nonviable groups and also in subgroups assessing 18F-FDG uptake also in normal myocardium. For G/I loading, we used our local protocol in 43 patients, and other protocols in six. 18F-FDG PET showed viability in 31 patients, and it was negative for viability in 18. In 22 patients, mainly in PET viable group, there was varying degree of reduced 18F-FDG uptake in normal myocardium. There was no significant difference in FBG, amount of glucose given, blood glucose level after glucose load, amount of insulin given, and blood glucose level at the time of 18F-FDG injection in PET viable and PET nonviable groups and also in subgroups. The problems with G/I loading protocol included deciding on the amounts of glucose and insulin given, maximum amount of insulin to be given, handling diabetics, optimal time to measure blood glucose after insulin administration, and interpretation of findings in cases with diffusely reduced 18F-FDG uptake. Further improvements in current guidelines are necessary to obtain images in optimal conditions for accurate results.
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OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to establish normal reference ranges for the left ventricular mass (LVM) and LVM index (LVMI) in preterm infants according to the body surface area (BSA) and assess their correlation with body weight and gestational age. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In a prospective study, 268 preterm babies who fulfilled the criteria for inclusion were examined. Echocardiograms were performed to measure the LVM and LVMI on 0-6 day (s) of life and at weekly intervals until the babies reached 36 weeks. The preterm infants were divided into six groups according to their BSA: 0.07-0.08 m2, 0.09-0.10 m2, 0.11-0.12 m2, 0.13-0.14 m2, 0.15-0.16 m2, and 0.17-0.19 m2. RESULTS: The mean gestational age was 29.8 (±2.38 standard deviation [SD]) weeks, ranging from 24 to 35 weeks. The mean body weight was 1479 (±413 SD) g, ranging from 588 to 3380 g, and the mean BSA was 0.13 m2, ranging from 0.07 to 0.19 m2. The LVM correlated well with the gestational age, body weight, and BSA. The LVMI correlated well with body weight and BSA. Reference ranges with the mean ± SD, range, and interquartile range were calculated for the LVM and LVMI according to the BSA. A significant gradual increase was observed in a LVM with increasing BSA. Overall, a progressive and significant increase in the LVM was observed during the first 9 weeks of life. CONCLUSION: The LVM and LVMI exhibited a significant correlation with the BSA and body weight. This study provides reference data that can be used as a normal reference tool for the LVM and LVMI for preterm infants based on the BSA.
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OBJECTIVE: To investigate into the limitations in decision making in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) in fine needle aspiration smears. STUDY DESIGN: We studied the cytology reports of 21 cases with definitive diagnoses of PTC, 17 suspicious/suggestive of (S/O) PTC, and 17 rule out (R/O) PTC, 8 R/O neoplasms and 15 nonneoplastic lesions with 1 or more cytologic features of PTC. Five important cytomorphologic features-papillary formation, intranuclear cytoplasmic inclusions, nuclear grooves, fine nuclear chromatin and psammoma bodies--were analyzed for their frequency and through a scoring system. RESULTS: Three or more cytologic features of PTC were present in 18 (85.7%) cases with a definitive diagnosis of PTC as opposed to 7 (41.2%) cases diagnosed as S/O PTC, 2 (11.8%) of R/O PTC, 0% of R/O neoplasia and 0% of nonneoplastic lesions (p =0.0062-<0.0001). The scores of PTC cases (5.8+/-1.14) were significantly higher (p <0.0001) than those of S/O PTC (3.8+/-1.47), R/O PTC (2.4+/-1.27), R/O neoplasia (1.4+/-0.69) and nonneoplastic lesions (1.1+/-0.62). Available histopathology reports in PTC, S/O PTC and R/O PTC cases confirmed the presence of PTC in 92.9%, 62.5% and 16.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: During decision making, the number of cytomorphologic features as well as some specific features and their extent in FNA smears give varying amounts of confidence to the cytopathologist in diagnosing the cases as PTC or otherwise.
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Biopsia con Aguja Fina , Carcinoma Papilar/patología , Técnicas de Apoyo para la Decisión , Indicadores de Salud , Neoplasias de la Tiroides/patología , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Valor Predictivo de las Pruebas , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Studies of long-term outcomes of discrete subaortic stenosis (DSS) are rare. Therefore, we reviewed the long-term outcomes of subaortic membrane resection in children with isolated DSS over 16 years from a single institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients (n = 27) who underwent resection of DSS between 2000 and 2017. Patients with major concomitant intracardiac anomalies were excluded. Indications for surgery were mean left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT), Doppler gradient >30 mmHg, and/or progressive aortic insufficiency. RESULTS: The mean age at diagnosis was 3.77 ± 3.49 years (range, 0.25-13 years) and the mean age at surgery was 6.36 ± 3.69 years (range, 1-13 years). All patients underwent resection of subaortic membrane. The mean LVOT Doppler gradient decreased from 40.52 ± 11.41 mmHg preoperatively to 8.48 ± 5.06 mmHg postoperatively (P < 0.001). The peak instantaneous LVOT Doppler gradient decreased from 75.41 ± 15.22 mmHg preoperatively to 18.11 ± 11.44 mmHg postoperatively (P < 0.001). At the latest follow-up, the peak gradient was 17.63 ± 8.93 mmHg. The mean follow-up was 7.47 ± 3.53 years (median 6.33 years; range 2.67-16 years). There was no operative mortality or late mortality. Recurrence of subaortic membrane occurred in 7 (25.92%, 7/27) patients who underwent primary DSS operation. Four (14.81%, 4/27) patients required reoperation for DSS recurrence at a median time of 4.8 years (3.1-9.1 years) after the initial repair. Risk factors for reoperation were age <6 years at initial repair. Eighteen (66.66%, 18/27) patients had AI preoperatively and progression of AI occurred in 70.37% (19/27). This included 4 (22.22%, 4/18) patients who had worsening of their preoperative AI. Short valve-to-membrane distance was found to be prognostically unfavorable. One (3.7%, 1/27) patient had an iatrogenic ventricular septal defect, and 2 (7.4%, 2/27) patients had complete AV block following membrane resection. CONCLUSIONS: Resection of subaortic membrane in children is associated with low mortality. Higher LVOT gradient, younger age at initial repair, and shorter valve-to-membrane distance were found to be associated with adverse outcome. Recurrence and reoperation rates are high, and progression of aortic insufficiency following subaortic membrane resection is common. Therefore, these patients warrant close follow-up into adult life.
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OBJECTIVES: This study aimed at determining the effects of cigarette smoking based on gender, on several hematological parameters and von Willebrand factor protein in the asymptomatic Arab population of Kuwait. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Ninety-two subjects participated in this study: 55 males (31 smokers and 24 nonsmokers) and 37 females (18 smokers and 19 nonsmokers). Complete blood count results were obtained using Beckman Coulter Hematology Analyzer. Von Willebrand factor functional activity was determined using an enzyme-linked immunoassay-based test in which anti-von Willebrand factor IgG monoclonal antibody was used that recognizes a functional epitope of the protein. The coagulation profile was obtained using ACL 9000 coagulation analyzer. RESULTS: Male smokers had significantly higher levels of white blood cell count (p = 0.03) and von Willebrand factor protein levels (p = 0.029), and a significantly shorter thrombin time (p = 0.019) than nonsmokers. Smoking did not appear to affect any of the parameters analyzed in females as no significant difference was found between smokers and nonsmokers (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results showed that smoking affected white blood cell count and von Willebrand factor levels in males and not in females, and as such could be potential markers for smoking-induced endothelial damage in asymptomatic Arab male smokers.
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Árabes , Aterosclerosis/prevención & control , Endotelio Vascular/lesiones , Fumar/efectos adversos , Factor de von Willebrand/metabolismo , Análisis de Varianza , Aterosclerosis/sangre , Aterosclerosis/etnología , Aterosclerosis/etiología , Biomarcadores/sangre , Pruebas de Coagulación Sanguínea , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Diagnóstico Precoz , Femenino , Humanos , Kuwait , Recuento de Leucocitos , Modelos Lineales , Masculino , Factores Sexuales , Fumar/sangre , Fumar/etnologíaRESUMEN
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of visual systematic screening is early identification of oral cancer (OC) precursor lesion. OC mortality improves when cancer is identified at early stages. This is important in patients whose lifestyle choices render them at higher risk of developing OC. This study described the prevalence of OC screening among smokers and nonsmokers in Kuwait and ascertained demographic predictors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study utilized a self-administered online survey in English and Arabic through Survey Monkey® and disseminated using the social networking app "WhatsApp." The survey included 21 questions on demographics, smoking status, and knowledge of OC. Screening questions were adopted from the Maryland Cancer Screening and Risk Behavior Survey. Data were analyzed using the computer software "Statistical Package for Social Sciences, SPSS version 24.0" (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY, USA). RESULTS: The study included 404 Kuwaiti respondents, 311 (77%) nonsmokers and 93 (23%) smokers. Prevalence of OC screening was 7.2, 7.7% among nonsmokers and 5.4% in smokers. Only 36.6% were aware of OC, with more nonsmokers (38.9%) than smokers (29%). Logistic regression revealed twice more males likely to go for screening than females and with the likelihood of those being in the age group of 25-44 years four times more (P < 0.012) than other age groups. CONCLUSION: There was low prevalence of screening and poor awareness of OC among sampled. Increased efforts are needed by health professionals to spread awareness and improve knowledge on OC and demand the inclusion of screening during their routine and opportunistic oral examinations.
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OBJECTIVE: To establish normal reference ranges and Z-scores for aortic diameters in preterm infants according to the body surface area and assess their correlation with body weight, body surface area, and gestational age. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a prospective study, 268 preterm infants who fulfilled the criteria for inclusion were examined. Echocardiograms were performed to measure the ascending aorta, transverse aorta, and aortic isthmus diameters on 0â¯days to 6â¯days of life and at weekly intervals until the babies reached 36â¯weeks. Body surface area was divided into 13 groups from 0.07â¯m2 to 0.19â¯m2. RESULTS: The mean gestational age was 29.8 [± 2.38 standard deviation (SD)] weeks, ranging from 24â¯weeks to 35â¯weeks. The mean body weight was 1479 (± 413â¯SD) g, ranging from 588â¯g to 3380â¯g, and the mean body surface area was 0.13â¯m2, ranging from 0.07â¯m2 to 0.19â¯m2. All the aortic diameters correlated well with both body weight and body surface area. Reference ranges with the mean⯱â¯SD, range, and Z-scores were calculated for aortic diameters according to the body surface area. A significant gradual increase was observed in ascending aorta, transverse aorta, and aortic isthmus diameters with increasing body surface area. Overall, a progressive and significant increase in ascending aorta, transverse aorta, and aortic isthmus diameters was observed during the first 9â¯weeks of life. CONCLUSION: The ascending aorta, transverse aorta, and aortic isthmus diameters exhibited a significant correlation with the body surface area and body weight. This study provides reference data with Z-scores that can be used as a normal reference tool for the ascending aorta, transverse aorta, and aortic isthmus diameters for preterm infants based on the body surface area.
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OBJECTIVE: To establish normal reference ranges for cardiac valve crosssectional areas (CSAs) in preterm infants and their correlation with gestational age, body weight, and chronological age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a prospective study, 268 preterm babies fulfilling the criteria for inclusion were examined. Echocardiograms were performed to measure aortic, pulmonary, mitral, and tricuspid valve CSAs on 0-6 day (s) of life and at weekly intervals until they reached 36 weeks. Gestational age was divided into three groups, 24-27, 28-31, and 32-35 weeks, and body weight was divided into five groups, ≤999, 1000-1499, 1500-1999, 2000-2499, and ≥2500 g. Overall group differences were compared for each period of life: 0-6 days and 1-2, 3-4, and ≥5 weeks. RESULTS: The mean gestational age was 29.8 (±2.38 standard deviation [SD]) weeks, ranging between 24 and 35 weeks, and the mean body weight was 1479 (±413 SD) g, ranging between 588 and 3380 g. All cardiac valve CSAs correlated well with body weight. A significant gradual increase was observed in all valve CSAs with body weight during each period of life. Overall, a progressive and significant increase in all valve CSAs was observed during the first 9 weeks of life. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac valve CSAs were found to be significantly correlated with body weight. The study also provides reference data, which can be used as a normal reference tool for valve CSAs in preterm infants against gestational age, body weight, and chronological age.
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In the present study, different transcripts of Trichoderma harzianum ThHP-3 were evaluated for their response against four fungal pathogens Fusarium oxysporum, Colletotrichum capsici, Colletotrichum truncatum and Gloesercospora sorghi using RT-qPCR. The time course study of T. harzianum transcripts related to signal transduction, lytic enzymes, secondary metabolites and various transporters revealed variation in expression against four fungal pathogens. In a broader term, the transcripts were upregulated at various time intervals but the optimum expression of cyp3, abc, nrp, tga1, pmk, ech42 and glh20 varied with respect to host fungi. Additionally, the expression of transcripts related to transporters/cytochromes was also observed against Fusarium oxysporum after 96h whereas transcripts related to secondary metabolites and lytic enzymes showed significant difference in expression against Colletotrichum spp. from 72 to 96h. This is first study on transcriptomic response of T. harzianum against pathogenic fungi which shows their host specific response.
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Fusarium/fisiología , Especificidad del Huésped , Control Biológico de Vectores , Plantas/microbiología , Trichoderma/fisiología , ARN Mensajero/genética , ARN Mensajero/metabolismo , Trichoderma/genéticaRESUMEN
Although many options are proposed for the treatment of cracked posterior teeth, most treatment decisions are not evidence based. Thus, considerable individual variation can occur regarding treatment recommendations for the same scenario. To our knowledge, there are no studies in the literature assessing practitioners' attitudes toward the treatment of cracked teeth. This research recorded variations between general practitioners and specialist groups regarding the treatment approaches of cracked teeth. In a cross-sectional structured questionnaire survey, 32 prosthodontists, 34 endodontists, and 29 general practitioners working in public and private dental health services in Kuwait were assessed regarding their treatment approach to 5 different clinical cracked tooth scenarios. Chosen treatment options varied greatly. Within each scenario, there was a wide range in treatment preferences across all groups and within each group, especially with respect to asymptomatic cracked teeth. Overall, treatment approaches did not relate to specialty training. Statistically significant differences were noticed between endodontists and general practitioners, in case of crowning teeth, in scenario 3 (P = .032), and in extracting teeth for scenario 5 (P = .048). This study highlights that, despite suggested guidelines, there are large differences in the approach to treatment planning for cracked teeth by practitioners and specialists, both as a whole and within each group. Further multicountry studies involving larger dental populations are needed to determine factors that influence practitioners' treatment choices and/or whether better or more widely accepted guidelines need to be established. More prospective well-controlled clinical case-based research with long-term follow-ups is required.
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Síndrome de Diente Fisurado/terapia , Actitud del Personal de Salud , Estudios Transversales , Humanos , Pautas de la Práctica en Odontología , AutoinformeRESUMEN
AIM: To determine the prevalence of joint hypermobility (JH) among young Kuwaiti adults. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 390 randomly selected healthy undergraduate university students, aged 18-29 years from the Health Sciences Centre, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait. Beighton score at four peripheral sites bilaterally (knees, elbows, thumbs and fifth fingers) and forward flexion of the trunk were used to evaluate joint hypermobility. Any student who met four out of the nine criteria was considered hypermobile. Joint pain was documented in all subjects through personal interview. RESULTS: A total of 390 subjects (male : female ratio 1.0 : 0.9) were assessed. Of those, 87 (22.3%) were found to have JH: 60 (29.4%) males and 27 (14.5%) females, showing a significantly higher male predominance (P < 0.001). Beighton score was inversely correlated with age (ρ = -0.15, P = 0.003). A higher incidence of finger signs was noted in comparison to elbow-knee hyperextension and hands-to-floor. Knee joint, back, neck and shoulder pains, in descending order, were the commonest type of joint complaints, although not statistically significant (P > 0.05) in subjects with and without joint hypermobility. It was also observed that the left side, at all the sites, was slightly more hypermobile in comparison to the right side in hypermobile subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of joint hypermobility is not uncommon among young Kuwaiti adults, and was comparable to the data published in other Asian-Pacific regions. General practitioners should therefore be familiar with the condition and its clinical associations, while assessing musculoskeletal complaints.
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Inestabilidad de la Articulación/epidemiología , Articulaciones/fisiopatología , Adolescente , Adulto , Artralgia/diagnóstico , Artralgia/epidemiología , Artralgia/fisiopatología , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Encuestas Epidemiológicas , Humanos , Incidencia , Inestabilidad de la Articulación/diagnóstico , Inestabilidad de la Articulación/fisiopatología , Kuwait/epidemiología , Masculino , Dimensión del Dolor , Prevalencia , Rango del Movimiento Articular , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
From a prospective study on burn patients admitted at the Burn Center in Kuwait during 1993-2001, 826 paediatric burn cases, in 0-14 years age group, were retrieved to study incidence, causes, and mortality among children. The demographic characteristics, clinical features, and outcome constituted our data file in Statistical Software, SPSS. Overall incidence rate was 17.5/100,000 children aged 0-14 years, being almost twice (34/100,000) among those between 0 and 4 years, constituting 70.8% of all paediatric burns. Scald was the main cause of burn (67%), followed by flame (23%). Mean age (6.4 years) of children with flame burns, was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than those with scalds, or other causes. A positive significant correlation existed between duration of hospital stay and TBSA% (r = 0.56, p < 0.001). Overall mortality rate was 0.23/100,000 children, maximum (0.52/100,000) being in children below 5 years. Among 11 (1.3%) non-survivors, flame burns caused nine fatalities. Multiple logistic regression mooring predicted children aged < 5 years, flame burns and TBSA >or= 70%, (OR = 29.2, p < 0.001), as main contributing factors to fatal outcome among children. Gender and nationality had no influence on incidence or mortality. These findings will hopefully stimulate development of targeted and sustainable interventions for reducing burns occurrence among identified paediatric high-risk groups.
Asunto(s)
Quemaduras , Adolescente , Distribución por Edad , Superficie Corporal , Quemaduras/epidemiología , Quemaduras/etiología , Quemaduras/mortalidad , Causas de Muerte , Niño , Preescolar , Femenino , Humanos , Incidencia , Lactante , Recién Nacido , Kuwait/epidemiología , Tiempo de Internación , Masculino , Estudios Prospectivos , Factores de RiesgoRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: Ability to produce hemolysin by Candida species is an important determinant of its pathogenicity. Candida dubliniensis is implicated in the causation of oral candidosis, which can be treated with polyene, echinocandin, and azole groups of antifungal agents as well as chlorhexidine. After oral application, however, the concentrations of these agents tend to decrease quickly to subtherapeutic levels due to the peculiarity of the oral environment. In this study, we have evaluated the effect of short-term exposure of sublethal concentrations of these drugs on hemolysin production by oral C. dubliniensis isolates obtained from two different geographical locale. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty C. dubliniensis oral isolates obtained from Kuwait and Sri Lanka were exposed to sublethal concentrations of nystatin, amphotericin B, caspofungin, ketoconazole, fluconazole, and chlorhexidine for 1 h. Thereafter, the drugs were removed by dilution and the hemolysin production determined by a previously described plate assay. RESULTS: Hemolysin production of these isolates was significantly suppressed with a percentage reduction of 17.09, 16.45, 17.09, 11.39, 8.23 and 12.03 following exposure to nystatin, amphotericin B, caspofungin, ketoconazole, fluconazole, and chlorhexidine, respectively. CONCLUSION: Brief exposure to sublethal concentrations of drugs with antifungal properties appears to reduce the pathogenic potential of C. dubliniensis isolates by suppressing hemolysin production.